With just over three months to go until the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) officially announced the first group of athletes who will represent the country on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
The announcement, made on May 17, includes standout names from disciplines such as athletics, swimming, and table tennis, all of whom have met the qualification standards and have been integral to Brazil’s international para-sport success.
A Star-Studded First Wave
Among the confirmed athletes are:
Petrúcio Ferreira (Para Athletics – T47)
- Current world record holder in the 100m
- Gold medalist at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020
- Strong favorite to defend his title in Paris
Carol Santiago (Para Swimming – S12)
- Five-time medalist in Tokyo 2020
- Dominant in recent World Series events
- Known for her exceptional technique and versatility
Bruna Alexandre (Para Table Tennis – Class 10)
- One of Brazil’s most decorated para table tennis players
- Coming off a gold-medal performance at the Slovenia Open
- Competing in her third Paralympics
These athletes were selected based on ranking points, recent international results, and performance consistency, forming the core of Brazil’s medal hopes for Paris.
The Path to Paris: Qualification and Preparation
The selection follows a series of international qualification tournaments, where Brazilian athletes:
- Achieved medal finishes in World Championships and World Cups
- Met the Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS) in their events
- Maintained top-10 rankings across multiple Paralympic sports
The next wave of athlete announcements will come in June and July, including team sports like goalball, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball.
According to CPB President Mizael Conrado:
“These first names reflect the excellence, dedication, and resilience of our athletes. We are confident Brazil will once again inspire the world in Paris.”
Aiming High: Brazil’s Goals for Paris 2024
Brazil finished 7th in the overall medal table at Tokyo 2020, winning 72 medals (22 gold, 20 silver, 30 bronze). For Paris, the goals are even more ambitious:
- Top 5 finish in the overall medal table
- Medals in at least 10 different sports
- Promoting equity and visibility for female and youth para-athletes
To prepare, Brazil is organizing:
- Final training camps in Santos, São Paulo, and João Pessoa
- Pre-Games acclimatization bases in Lisbon and Toulouse
- Expanded access to sports psychology, nutrition, and technology
Legacy Beyond Medals
In addition to sporting goals, the CPB aims to:
- Inspire broader social inclusion for people with disabilities
- Increase public visibility of para sports in Brazil’s media
- Encourage youth participation through school partnerships and free clinics
Carol Santiago, now a role model for visually impaired youth, said:
“We don’t just compete for medals. We compete to show that limits exist only in the mind. Paris will be another chapter in that story.”
Conclusion: Brazil’s Paralympic Journey Begins
With elite talent and a powerful message of perseverance, Brazil’s road to Paris 2024 is now officially underway. These first athletes symbolize the strength and potential of a team ready to challenge the world — and inspire a nation.
As the Paralympic flame begins its approach to France, Brazil is already burning with purpose, preparation, and pride.